5G/4G/3G/2G Cloud-Native OpenRAN Architecture

ABSTRACT

Systems, method sand computer readable medium are provided for proving a cloud-native OpenRan architecture. In one embodiment a system includes a 5G/4G/3G/2G cloud-native Open Radio Access Network (RAN) architecture open and standardized across multiple domains; wherein the multiple domains include at least one of RAN, edge, core, orchestration and analytics; and wherein the system includes an EPC virtual stack; a Radio Virtualization stack; and an Open RAN orchestrator in communication with the EPC virtual stack and the Radio Virtualization stack, wherein the Open Ran orchestrator provides communication between any haul in communication with the EPC virtual stack and any core in communication with the Radio Virtualization stack.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims priority under35 U.S.C. § 120 to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/991,014,“OpenRAN and Virtualized Baseband Radio Unit” filed Aug. 11, 2020; andalso claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Pat.App. No. 62/909,226, entitled “5G/4G/3G/2G Cloud-Native OpenRANArchitecture” and filed Oct. 1, 2019. The present application herebyincorporates by reference U.S. Pat. App. Pub. Nos. US20110044285,US20140241316; WO Pat. App. Pub. No. WO2013145592A1; EP Pat. App. Pub.No. EP2773151A1; U.S. Pat. No. 8,879,416, “Heterogeneous Mesh Networkand Multi-RAT Node Used Therein,” filed May 8, 2013; U.S. Pat. No.8,867,418, “Methods of Incorporating an Ad Hoc Cellular Network Into aFixed Cellular Network,” filed Feb. 18, 2014; U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/777,246, “Methods of Enabling Base Station Functionality ina User Equipment,” filed Sep. 15, 2016; U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/289,821, “Method of Connecting Security Gateway to Mesh Network,”filed May 29, 2014; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/642,544,“Federated X2 Gateway,” filed Mar. 9, 2015; U.S. patent application Ser.No. 14/711,293, “Multi-Egress Backhaul,” filed May 13, 2015; U.S. Pat.App. No. 62/375,341, “S2 Proxy for Multi-Architecture Virtualization,”filed Aug. 15, 2016; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/132,229,“MaxMesh: Mesh Backhaul Routing,” filed Apr. 18, 2016, each in itsentirety for all purposes, having attorney docket numbers PWS-71700US01,71710US01, 71717US01, 71721US01, 71756US01, 71762US01, 71819US00, and71820US01, respectively. This application also hereby incorporates byreference in their entirety each of the following U.S. Pat. applicationsor Pat. App. Publications: US20150098387A1 (PWS-71731US01);US20170055186A1 (PWS-71815US01); US20170273134A1 (PWS-71850US01);US20170272330A1 (PWS-71850US02); US20180041934A1 (PWS-71850US03);US20200252996A1 (PWS-72548US01); US20200128414A1 (PWS-72570US01); andSer. No. 16/853,745 (PWS-72611US01). This application also herebyincorporates by reference in their entirety U.S. Provisional Pat.Application No. 62/873,463, “5G Mobile Network Solution With Intelligent5G Non-Standalone (NSA) Radio Access Network (RAN) Solution” filed Jul.12, 2019; and U.S. Provisional Pat. Application No. 62/801,032, “HybridCWS Architecture,” filed Feb. 4, 2019.

BACKGROUND

The RAN accounts for around 60% of CAPEX and 65% of OPEX in the cellularnetwork. It follows that carriers need to maximize the value of theirexisting network assets before giving the green light to new investment.With its software-defined and cloud-native OpenRAN architecture, andwith the world's largest Open RAN ecosystem, Parallel Wireless isleading the movement for wireless infrastructure innovation bydelivering substantial cost savings to MNOs for building or maintainingboth today's 4G/3G/2G networks and tomorrow's multi-vendor 5G networks.

SUMMARY

Parallel Wireless created world's only ALL G software-defined OpenRANarchitecture to make delivery of wireless coverage or capacity usecases, especially capital intensive 5G, affordable as it enables mobileoperators and industries to unleash the full value of connectivity. Withunified across 5G 4G 3G 2G cloud-native architecture that is open andstandardized across five key domains—RAN, Edge, Core, Orchestration andAnalytics—we are committed to 5G vision of bringing Internet to everyperson and organization for a truly connected world and at much lowercost to deploy and maintain. The company's end-to-end ALL G cloud-nativeOpenRAN portfolio is designed to help our customers modernize theirnetworks, reduce deployment cost and complexity, increase operationalefficiency, find new revenue streams and start deploying multi-vendor 5Gnetworks today. Through open collaboration with OpenRAN ecosystempartners, we created world's first and largest fully compliant OpenRANecosystem that delivers the next generation of wireless infrastructureto be much lower cost ensuring more equal access to 5G globally. Ourcustomers include over 60 global mobile operators, as well as privateand public industries and governments that use our software definednetwork portfolio to reimagine their networks' economics.

The Parallel Wireless solution enables innovative capacity, coverage,and upgradeability. Parallel Wireless OpenRAN supports indoor or outdoordeployment scenarios at the lowest TCO and can be deployed on anaccelerated timeline to help mobile operators deliver coverageeverywhere from rural to suburban to most dense urban. Easy to install,low-cost and high-performing cloud-native Parallel Wireless OpenRANsupports macro, Massive MIMO or small cell deployments for densificationand delivers superior end user QoS for consumers and industries in urbanscenarios. Parallel Wireless cloud-native OpenRAN approach enables any5G migration option and is software upgradable to any future 3GPPreleases delivering the most cost-effective, easy to deploy, andadvanced 5G capabilities for all 5G use cases.

A wireless system is described. In one embodiment the system includes a5G/4G/3G/2G cloud-native Open Radio Access Network (ORAN) architectureopen and standardized across multiple domains, wherein the multipledomains include at least one of RAN, edge, core orchestration andanalytics.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing 3GPP compliant split options, in accordancewith some embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outdoor OpenRAN, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing coverage and capacity for large cells andsmall cells, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an OpenRAN software suite composite VNF inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a migration strategy with a 5G nativearchitecture, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing network slicing, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a 3-sector macro tower, in accordance withsome embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a single urban cell in a dense urban area,in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a split BSC approach for architecturesimplification, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a system including an open RANOrchestrator, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a slice pairing function between RAN/fixedaccess and CN, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 12 is a schematic network architecture diagram for 3G and other-Gprior art networks.

FIG. 13 is diagram of an enhanced eNodeB for performing the methodsdescribed herein, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 14 is a diagram of is a coordinating server for providing servicesand performing methods as described herein, in accordance with someembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Parallel Wireless is leading the OpenRAN movement with the world's first5G/4G/3G/2G cloud-native OpenRAN architecture that is open andstandardized across five key domains—RAN, Edge, Core, Orchestration andAnalytics.

As well, through deep collaboration with our OpenRAN ecosystem partners,we have created a fully-compliant Open RAN ecosystem that is capable ofdelivering the next generation of wireless infrastructure atdramatically lower cost, ensuring more equal access to 5G across theglobe.

Our OpenRAN portfolio is designed to help our customers modernize theirnetworks, reduce deployment cost and complexity, increase operationalefficiency, find new revenue streams and start deploying multi-vendor 5Gnetworks—today.

Cloud-native, fully virtualized architecture with a flexible end-to-endorchestration framework includes:

Globally deployed OpenRAN solution supporting multiple 3GPP compliantRAN splits, easy to deploy and maintain with Parallel Wireless SONmodule. The OpenRAN architecture enables the Remote Radio Units (RRUs)to interwork with the virtualized COTS-based Base Band Unit (vBBU) overEthernet Fronthaul (FH), overcoming the traditional constraints ofCommon Public Radio Interface (CPRI™) over fiber. The OpenRAN hardwareis remote-upgradable Software Defined Radio (SDR) capabilities from anyG to 5G.

Network software to support easy install, hands-free maintenance,end-to-end network slicing, vCU functionality and Multi-access EdgeComputing (MEC)—the solution can be tailored for service-centricarchitectures, meeting user expectations while delivering lowestdeployment cost.

Parallel Wireless 4G delivers the following benefits: Cloud-nativearchitecture across all components: OpenRAN software abstracts Core andRAN and brings 5G-like benefits to 4G (with low latency and networkslicing). Data traffic local breakout through utilization of CUPS candeliver low latency into 4G networks today. Easy to deploy, manage, andscale: The software platform automates network optimization to reducedeployment cost. Self-configuration makes radios plug-and-play.Self-optimization reduces the need for drive testing and results in costreduction. Radio is software-defined to upgrade user count andtechnologies, so sites can be software upgradable to higher capacitywith COTS BBU or 5G when needed. Orchestration enables optimal networkperformance, which results in superior end-user QoE with seamlessmobility, preventing subscriber churn. Lowest TCO: Automation reducesthe need to travel on-site or use professional services. Hands-freeoptimization of PW SON saves on on-going maintenance. Future-proof andeasy migration to 5G: Software platform enables 5G-native architecturewhich is upgradable to any 3GPP release in the future and can enable any5G migration option. Virtualization of gateways (like Security gateway,Small Cells gateway, Wi-Fi gateways, etc.) as VNFs allows flexibility tointroduce new components and services within the network.

Parallel Wireless Edge Core that consists of vEPC and 5G core as VMs andis designed for mobile communications systems with the functionalcapabilities to support high bandwidth and ultra-low latencyapplications. 5GC includes complete separation of both control and userplane framework to allow dynamic scaling of control and user planeelements with intelligent packet handling through Parallel WirelessNetwork Intelligence software module.

Both access and core offerings are enabled by its network functionsvirtualization (NFV) and container management and orchestration softwareplatform. Through open collaboration with OpenRAN ecosystem, we'vecreated the world's first and largest fully compliant OpenRAN portfoliothat delivers the next generation of wireless infrastructure at a muchlower cost, ensuring more equal access to 5G globally. Oursoftware-defined and interoperable OpenRAN architecture was designedfrom the ground up to reduce complexity and drive out cost from everyaspect from the RAN to the Core. We pride ourselves on offering a fullyautomated outdoor or indoor coverage and capacity solutions that areeasy and cost-effective to deploy and maintain and are softwareupgradable to 5G. The company's end-to-end ALL G cloud-native OpenRANportfolio is designed to help our customers modernize their networks,reduce deployment cost and complexity, increase operational efficiency,find new revenue streams and start deploying multi-vendor 5G networkstoday. Software innovation and openness across 5G/4G/3G/2G and Wi-Ficoupled with network automation drives TCO reduction for low-density orhigh density use cases of up to 60% for CAPEX and 65% for OPEX. TheParallel Wireless OpenRAN Controller is the industry's first and mostinnovative fully virtualized and scalable OpenRAN controller thatsupports E2 interface and orchestrates multi-vendor outdoor and indoor5G 4G 3G 2G RAN and automates radio and network optimization andanalytics while reducing deployment and maintenance cost. Easy to deployand maintain fully virtualized 2G with Parallel Wireless cloud-nativeOpenRAN is the cost-effective migration path to 3G, 4G or 5G when yoursubscribers are ready. Service-aware cloud-native wireless core solutionwith advanced QoS and scalability for dynamic IP, mobility and policymanagement. Parallel Wireless core network software concentrates alleNBs and provides a single S1-U connection to S-GW for data traffic anda single S1-MME connection to MME for all signaling and control relatedtraffic. It acts as an aggregator of S1 signaling toward S-GW and MME.This reduces all handover and paging related signaling and controlmessages toward the core network (EPC). The Parallel Wireless EPC is afull LTE core solution consisting of MME, SGW, and PGW, or anycombination of these, deployed as Virtual Network Functions (NFV) on aCOTS hardware or virtualized infrastructure. Its scalable architectureallowed flexible deployments offering one of the bestperformance-to-price ratios in the industry. As a part of Policy andCharging Control (PCC) functionality, Parallel Wireless provides PCRFportion of it to integrate with our EPC through standard Go interface.This provides a fast deployment path toward a complete and operationalnetwork for our customers.

Leading an OpenRAN Movement

The RAN accounts for around 60% of CAPEX and 65% of OPEX in the cellularnetwork. It follows that carriers need to maximize the value of theirexisting network assets before giving the green light to new investment.With its software-defined and cloud-native OpenRAN architecture, andwith the world's largest Open RAN ecosystem, Parallel Wireless isleading the movement for wireless infrastructure innovation bydelivering substantial cost savings to MNOs for building or maintainingboth today's 4G/3G/2G networks and tomorrow's multi-vendor 5G networks.We strive to support you as you enable best-quality experiences to yourend users and industries. Parallel Wireless has been recognized as aBest Performing Vendor at TIP Summit 2018 by both Telefonica andVodafone.

The Open RAN Hardware Ecosystem (CWS)

The Parallel Wireless OpenRAN flexible and scalable architecturedelivers disaggregation of hardware and software, along with decouplingof CU/DU functionality and support for any 3GPP compliant split. OurOpenRAN hardware ecosystem consists of Software Defined Radios (SDRs)that can be software upgraded to 5G for ease of deployment and lowercost, with no rip-and-replace. By separating RAN hardware from software,and by using commoditized GPP-based hardware, we believe we cankickstart the flywheel to enable an industry-wide ecosystem to drivedown cost as a part of an end-to-end solution. Our software-basedapproach delivers ultra-high capacity access with absolutely no capacityor coverage limits and with the ability to cost-effectively extendresources to 5G, edge cloud, and MEC.

FIG. 1 shows diagram of 3GPP compliant split options 100.

Benefits to MNOs

Parallel Wireless's dynamic architecture is the only available solutionfor mobile operators to utilize different splits based on morphology andinfrastructure availability, delivering:

Flexibility in selecting any split based on use case. For coveragedeployments, higher splits are more desirable, while for dense urbanareas, lower splits are typically the optimum solution for deliveringmaximum capacity. Parallel Wireless products enable different protocollayers to reside in different components based on fronthaul availabilityand morphology.

OpenRAN. Parallel Wireless's dynamic solution allows mobile operators topick and choose different hardware vendors for DU and CU, helping to getthe best performance at much lower cost.

Lowest TCO. By using different software implementations on the same RANhardware, the cost of operations and ownership for mobile operators isreduced by up to 30%.

The need for providing both coverage and capacity and supporting growingdata consumption, all with declining ARPUs, have placed tremendouspressure on MNOs to find the most efficient use of their allocated radiospectrum.

FIG. 2 shows an outdoor OpenRAN environment 200. The outdoor OpenRANhelps with spectrum optimization to provide improved profitability. Thearchitecture includes:

Virtualized Baseband Unit (vBBU)

Based on Intel-based COTS (x86) hardware, this component providesHigh-PHY, MAC, RLC and PDCP functionality in a central fashion. Itcommunicates to a cluster of RRHs (which contains RF and lower PHY) andsupports multiple carriers based on the RRH cluster's load. Theinterface between vRU and RRH is based on Ethernet-based eCPRI. Thisarchitecture supports 4G today and is software-upgradable to 5G.

Remote Radio Heads (RRH)

The Parallel Wireless solution incorporates standard, off-the-shelf RRHsand small cells from different OEMs. These OpenRAN RRHs and small cellscan be integrated into our solution with minimum integration effort,reducing the overall cost of ownership for mobile operators.

Parallel Wireless has developed extensive OpenRAN partnerships tosupport all use cases for coverage and capacity:

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing coverage and capacity for large cells andsmall cells 300, in accordance with some embodiments.

Macrocells

When operators build a network, they typically start by building a macrolayer, mainly consisting of rooftop sites and towers to quickly deliverthe largest possible coverage area. Parallel Wireless has an ecosystemof OpenRAN hardware to deliver the most efficient and powerful solutionsto deliver coverage and capacity from 2×2, 4×4, 8×8 in differentfrequency bands—all software-defined and easily upgradable to 5G.

Massive MIMO

Moving from MIMO to massive MIMO, according to IEEE, involves making “aclean break with current practice,” as it requires a large number ofservice antennas over active terminals, as well as time-division duplexoperation. “ . . . By focusing energy into ever smaller regions ofspace, [Massive MIMO brings] huge improvements in throughput andradiated energy efficiency.” The group calls out other benefitsincluding cheaper parts, lower latency, simplification of the MAC layer,and robustness against intentional jamming. However, M-MIMO presentsdeployment challenges as well:

Heavier antennas, meaning that existing poles may not be able to bearthe load, and any upgrades required will necessitate additionaldeployment costs. Power upgrades, as new active antennas will consumemore power, which will be an additional operational cost as well ascapital cost. Backhaul upgrades are necessary as well, as existingbackhaul may not be able to cope with the projected massive increase indata traffic

With Parallel Wireless and its massive MIMO ecosystem partners, MNOs canselect hardware based on their 5G deployment cases, budget andsubscriber needs. Our OpenRAN Massive MIMO delivers:

A compact solution with perfect component synchronization that is easyto deploy. Support for any deployment scenario. Internal powerconsumption reduction to achieve total energy efficiency reductions.

Small Cells

5G networks will push the limits for small cell deployments. TheParallel Wireless OpenRAN approach solves the triple challenge ofinterference, mobility and deployment:

A combination of intra- and inter-frequency underlay and overlay cellswill be a common practice in 5G networks. In a spatial densificationdeployment the OpenRAN controller manages intra-cell interferences, andfor a vertical densification deployment it will coordinate allload-related handoffs and other functionalities to utilize differentlayers accordingly, thus improving overall system performance andfrequency utilization.

The split concept (DU and CU) for 5G facilitates a simpler approachtoward frequency coordination among different cells in a geographicalarea. This approach to small cell deployments enables different DUs withthe same or different operating frequencies to be connected andcoordinated through a single CU (Parallel Wireless vCU as a VNF inOpenRAN software suite).

All these interference mitigation techniques require tight coordinationamong different RRHs. Parallel Wireless OpenRAN coordinates withconnected small cells directly, and also provides all required signalingto macro cells and reduces the overall system control signaling.

Besides interference issues, the densification of cellular networks canimpact user experience due to increases in handoffs and relatedsignaling loads. The increase of handoffs in a mobile system candirectly impact the volume of signaling in the system and have anegative impact on overall user experience and system capacity. TheParallel Wireless OpenRAN controller dynamically executes parameterchanges to optimize the user experience based on their mobility.

Indoor OpenRAN

Even those operators who are the most advanced in deploying Voice overLTE (VoLTE) technology realize that it will take many years before allvoice traffic is carried over 4G. The necessary pairing of UE and corenetwork VoLTE implementations means that 3G will remain an importantvoice solution for many years to come. This creates a dilemma for theoperator, as clearly 4G/5G is the industry direction of travel, but 3Gremains a critical voice technology. The Parallel Wireless 3G/4G OpenRANsolution for indoor/enterprise coverage is a 3GPP standards-basedNFV-SDN-enabled solution easily scalable to suit any size enterprise toprovide quality indoor coverage for voice and data.

The solution is based on cellular access point (CAP)/enterprisefemtocells, and integrates 3G and 4G/LTE with real-time networkorchestration, flexible scheduling, interference mitigation, resourceoptimization, traffic prioritization, and enterprise-grade security. Theindoor OpenRAN controller provides orchestration enabled by real-timenetwork SON, resource optimization and traffic mitigation. It alsoenables seamless mobility for users indoors and out, and makes networkdeployments fast and simple with no RF planning or complex systemintegration required.

The Cellular Access Point (CAP). The OpenRAN indoor hardware is asoftware-defined, multi-mode, multi-band enterprise femto that providescellular single-mode 3G or 4G or multi-mode/multi-carrier 3G/4G accessin the same form factor, and provides low cost, high QoS coverage forenterprises of all sizes. The CAP combines 3G and 4G/LTE functions intoa single footprint using common network connectivity and power, greatlysimplifying the installation and maintenance process. This helps toachieve the right level of deployment flexibility and attractiveeconomics for service providers to deliver a wide variety of enterprisedeployments with the lowest cost per unit and coverage, providing CAPEXsavings of over 90%.

The indoor Open RAN solution uses Parallel Wireless's OpenRANcontroller, the HNG, which provides enterprise gateway functionalitieswith many 3G/4G/Wi-Fi functions virtualized, including femto gateway,small cell gateway, and other functionalities. Normally the cost ofthese functionalities would be a significant extra. The controllersoftware itself reduces the CAPEX by 90%, as it includes many gatewayfunctionalities needed for enterprise solutions to manage licensed andunlicensed spectrum. The controller runs on any x86 server, with awell-understood CAPEX of a few thousands of dollars with plenty ofcapacity for high performance. The controller can be deployed in aremote or local cloud, and one HNG can serve many enterprises. OPEX willalso be reduced with the HNG, as it will optimize the enterprisenetwork, mitigate traffic, etc.

The suite runs on ETSI NFV Cloud Native solution that can be hosted onprivate, public or hybrid cloud with minimum hardware dependencies. Thesoftware suite consists of:

OpenRAN Controller: It performs a function of an OpenRAN controller andis responsible for radio connection management, mobility management, QoSmanagement, edge services, and interference management for the end userexperience. Different RAN functionalities consolidate on this softwareplatform, reducing complexity and making overall network maintenancesimpler and less resource intensive. Currently released OpenRANcontroller module virtualizes vBSC/2G gateway, 3G gateway/vRNC, 4Ggateway/X2 gateway, Wi-Fi gateway. The fully virtualized and scalablecontroller functionality supports O-RAN E2 interface and works withmulti-vendor RAN. As a result, it helps create a multi-vendor, openecosystem of interoperable components for the various RAN elements andvendors.

Parallel Wireless's 2G/3G/4G/5G OpenRAN and Network software platformenables openness through the complete decoupling of hardware andsoftware functionality. This functional separation enables the softwareto support all the different protocol splits between DUs and CUs basedon available backhaul/fronthaul options. In addition it provides:

Network Orchestration and real-time SON: the software platform alsoprovides complete RAN orchestration including self-configuration,self-optimization, and self-healing. All new radio units areself-configured by the software, reducing the need for manualintervention. The self-optimization is responsible for necessaryoptimization related tasks across different RANs, utilizing availableRAN data from the Analytics module. The predictive approach utilized bythe Parallel Wireless platform, in contrast to the legacy reactiveoptimization approach, improves user experience and increases networkresource utilization.

Edge Core: a virtualized core solution consisting of MME, SGW and PGW aswell as AMF, SMF, UPF and N3IWF, or any combination of these, deployedas Virtual Network Functions (NFV). Its scalable architecture allowsflexible deployments, from small-footprint cost-efficient Packet Corefrom a few thousand to millions of subscribers.

Neutral hosting enabler: it enables MOCN/MORAN by having the ability toview the traffic and route to the proper core. This then allows RANsharing to happen without complication to any of the home networks, thesoftware module simply requires connections to each core and handles theheavy lifting of routing of the traffic properly.

Being a 5G-native platform, it will provide a smooth migration path to5G utilizing any migration option.

Benefits to MNOs

Easy and cost-effective installation. With the Parallel Wireless OpenRAN controller, deployment can be reduced from days to hours, whileeliminating the need for RF planning and extensive system integration.In under a day, a Tier 1 was able to install the whole system in amedium-size enterprise building, without specialized installers or RFplanning required. The controller configured the nodes without anyinvolvement from IT personnel (plug-and-play). The Parallel Wirelesssolution offered comprehensive self-organizing network (SON) capability,ensuring that cells were self-configuring (including neighbor lists andphysical cell ID).

Quality end-user experience, including voice. The network orchestratorfunctionality of Parallel Wireless software platform also optimizesradio performance, e.g., inter-cell interference coordination, handoveroptimization between the indoor cells and indoor cells and neighboringmacros for seamless mobility, and frequent handover mitigation, whichresults in better QoS for data and voice for end users. The dual-modecell supports Circuit Switched Fallback (CSFB) and VoLTE voice, enablingthe operator to invest in the future while ensuring it can deliver thelegacy services for high-quality voice coverage.

5G OpenRAN (child to products). 5G radio, or NR (New Radio), improvesspectral efficiency and delivers unprecedented network capacity. 5G NewRadio technology is based on flexible OFDM waveforms and multiple accesstechniques, optimized for various 5G services, applications, anddeployment use cases. 5G (NR) features are defined by various 3GPPstandards, with first phase completion in Rel-15 and second phase inRel-16.

The Parallel Wireless OpenRAN software suite for 5G(NR) increasesspectrum efficiency, traffic capacity, throughput, reliability, numberof connected devices and reduces end-to-end latency. This technologyenables MNOs to unlock and support diverse use cases such as FixedWireless Access (FWA), Enhanced Mobile broadband (eMBB), Massive MachineType Communications (mMTC), and Ultra-Reliable Low LatencyCommunications (URLLC). Parallel Wireless OpenRAN outdoor hardware issoftware-upgradable to 5G, delivering these enhanced capabilities atmuch lower cost.

The need to provide both coverage and capacity while supporting growingdata consumption, all with declining ARPUs, have placed tremendouspressure on MNOs to find the most efficient use of their allocated radiospectrum.

Our outdoor OpenRAN solution helps with spectrum optimization to makemobile operators profitable. The architecture consists of an OpenRANController orchestrating:

Virtualized Baseband Unit (vBBU): Based on Intel-based COTS (x86)hardware, this component provides High-PHY, MAC, RLC and PDCPfunctionality in a central fashion. It communicates to a cluster of RRHs(which contain RF and lower PHY) and supports multiple carriers based onthe RRH cluster's load. The interface between vRU and RRH is based onEthernet-based eCPRI. This architecture supports 4G today and issoftware-upgradable to 5G.

Remote radio heads (RRH): The Parallel Wireless solution incorporatesstandard, off-the-shelf RRHs and small cells from different OEMs. TheseOpenRAN RRHs and small cells can be integrated into our solution withminimum integration effort, reducing the overall cost of ownership formobile operators.

Parallel Wireless has developed extensive OpenRAN partnerships formacros, small cells and Massive MIMOs to support all use cases forcoverage and capacity.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the OpenRAN Software Suite 400. TheParallel Wireless OpenRAN software suite enables the complete decouplingof hardware and software functionality. This functional separationenables the software suite to support any protocol split between DUs andCUs based on available backhaul/fronthaul options. Different RAN elementfunctionalities are also consolidated on the platform, reducingcomplexity and making overall network maintenance simpler and lessresource-intensive. Running on COTS x86-64 servers with minimum hardwaredependencies, our world's first and only OpenRAN software suite consistsof the following components:

OpenRAN Controller: This performs the functions of an OpenRAN controllerand is responsible for radio connection management, mobility management,QoS management, edge services, and interference management for the enduser experience. Different RAN element functionalities are consolidatedon this software platform, reducing complexity and making overallnetwork maintenance simpler and less resource-intensive. As currentlyreleased, the OpenRAN controller module can virtualize a vBSC/2Ggateway, 3G gateway/vRNC, 4G gateway/X2 gateway, Wi-Fi gateway, or anycombination thereof. The fully virtualized and scalable controllerfunctionality supports the E2 interface and works with multi-vendor RAN.As a result, it helps create a multi-vendor, open ecosystem ofinteroperable components for the various RAN elements and vendors. Itcan be software-upgraded to 5G RAN Controller functionality asnon-standalone (NSA) and Standalone (SA) as the 5G standards arefinalized and stabilized. Being a 5G native platform, it provides asmooth migration path to 5G utilizing any migration option.

Network Orchestration and real-time SON: This provides complete RANorchestration, including self-configuration, self-optimization, andself-healing. All new radio units are self-configured by the software,reducing the need for manual intervention, which will be key for 5Gdeployments of Massive MIMO and small cells for densification. Theself-optimization is responsible for necessary optimization relatedtasks across different RANs, utilizing available RAN data from all RANtypes (macros, Massive MIMO, small cells) from the Analytics module. Thepredictive approach utilized by the Parallel Wireless platform, incontrast to the legacy reactive optimization approach, improves userexperience and increases network resource utilization, key forconsistent experience on data intensive 5G networks.

Network Sharing enabler: Infrastructure sharing will be a key for 5Gnetworks. Parallel Wireless OpenRAN software suite enables MOCN/MORAN byhaving the ability to view the traffic and route to the proper core.This then allows RAN sharing to happen without complication to any ofthe home networks. The HetNet Gateway simply requires connections toeach core and thereafter handles the heavy lifting of routing thetraffic properly.

Benefits to MNOs. By disaggregating hardware and software, the ParallelWireless OpenRAN software platform creates a unified architecturethrough abstraction of traditional RAN and core network functions on aCOTS server, and brings 5G software benefits (i.e. low latency andnetwork slicing) across the network for ALL G (2G/3G/4G/5G), resultingin: G Agility: a unified software-enabled architecture for past,present, and future Gs; Deployment flexibility for 5G, 4G, 4G, 2Gthrough consolidation of network functions and RAN/core interfaces.Openness across RAN and core through fully 3GPPP compliant virtualizedinterfaces, enabling interop between all vendors and allowing formodernization of networks or selection of best of breed for 5G;Real-time responsiveness to subscriber needs through edge-centricarchitecture to deliver best performance for voice and data, outdoors orindoors, across 2G/3G/4G/5G, thereby reducing subscriber churn; and OPEXreduction through network automation: with plug-n-play configuration andhands-free optimization, professional services spend on deployment ormaintenance is reduced by up to 80% to deliver much lower OPEX acrosspast, present, and future networks, even 5G networks.

The Parallel Wireless OpenRAN software suite is fully virtualized. Itcan be deployed as a VNF (it is a Composite VNF, which includes afederation of VMs behaving like a single logical entity). The softwareis ETSI's MANO compliant, and agnostic to the underlying data centerinfrastructure so can use any Intel x86 server, and can be installedwith all major market leading hypervisors (Linux KVM, VMware ESXi). Itcan be managed via any standards-compliant VNF Manager (VNFM), as wellas any NFV Orchestrator (NFVO). Partnerships are in place with Intel,RedHat, VMware, HPE, and Dell. SRIOV, DPDK, PCI Passthrough is fullysupported.

5G Solutions. 5G networks will have to support a number of services,many of them with different and almost orthogonal performancerequirements.

Three major service categories defined for 5G are: Enhanced MobileBroadband (eMBB): This has been billed as the main driver for initial 5Grollouts. Not only are end users expecting to receive faster speeds,they expect more data allowances for a lower price. 5G meets end-userexpectations while delivering spectral efficiency for the operator. TheParallel Wireless OpenRAN software suite plays an important role here byabstracting core functionality and catering for different deploymentoptions, based on the SP's roadmap.

Massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC): LTE-M and NB-IoT,standardized as part of 3GPP Release-13 version of LTE, are beingenhanced to work with 5G. There is no special focus for mMTC in 5Gcurrently but this will play an important role in the 3GPP Release-16version of 5G. The Parallel Wireless software suite will help to managethe myriad of IoT devices and mitigate interference and reduce signalingstrain on the core.

Ultra-Reliable and Low-Latency Communications (URLLC): This featurepromises to make 5G appealing to many new verticals, thereby providingSPs with new source of revenues. There is no focus for URLLC in 5Gcurrently but it will play an important role in 3GPP Release-16 versionof 5G. This feature also requires 5GC, as new slices would need to becreated for different verticals to meet their requirements.

In addition to the above use cases, fixed wireless access (FWA) has alsoemerged as an important use case for quite a few operators. While thereare no special features that have been added specifically for FWA,features such as 3D beamforming and wider bandwidths make 5G anattractive option for FWA. Parallel Wireless OpenRAN is increasinglybeing deployed not only provide mobile broadband services but also forfixed wireless deployments using 4G LTE. It is foreseen that this trendwill continue with 5G.

With Parallel Wireless OpenRAN architecture, MNOs can deploy 5G networkswith 5G-native architecture. The Parallel Wireless OpenRAN architectureis software-based, so it is inherently 5G-native, and a network could beswitched to 5G when standards are finalized with a simple softwareupgrade, maximizing the original 4G investment on the RAN or core.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a migration path 500 with a 5G nativearchitecture. Simplify 5G and reduce deployment cost through 5G OpenRAN. The orchestration and real-time SON capabilities provide real-timeoptimization and network automation reducing the maintenance cost andenabling new business cases for 5G. In addition, spectrum sharing,network sharing can be enabled through MORAN and MOCN functionality tomaximize spectrum and reduce 5G deployment cost.

Deliver 5G experiences for consumers and industries. With features ofParallel Wireless's OpenRAN architecture, the introduction of networkslicing and control and user plane separation (CUPS) on any 5G NSA coresupports 5G design architectures.

FIG. 6 shows network slice pairing between RAN/fixed access and CN 600.The OpenRAN software suite manages each slice, delivering the requiredQoS, security, latency characteristics. In addition, it will deliverdynamic capacity and throughput for optimal performance for 5G dataintensive applications through scalable software-based architecture.

Coverage

FIG. 7 shows a diagram using a 3-sector-macro-tower 700. Enhanced mobilebroadband will be the first commercial application of 5G and can helpoperators deliver coverage everywhere from rural to suburban to mostdense urban locations. Parallel Wireless OpenRAN can support all thosedeployment scenarios at the lowest TCO and can be deployed onaccelerated timeline.

The base station depicted in FIG. 7 utilizes a functional split betweenthe radio head at the top of the tower (DU) and the baseband unit on theground/in the cabinet (CU). The depicted baseband unit is able toprovide baseband services for three radio heads. Fronthaul connects thethree radio heads with the baseband unit. Backhaul is used to connectthe baseband unit to the core network via an OpenRAN server runningsoftware as described elsewhere herein and in the documents incorporatedby reference.

FIG. 8 shows a diagram of a single urban cell deployment 800. The basestation shown includes a radio head atop a tower (which in someembodiments may be on top of a building), coupled to a baseband unit ina cabinet over Ethernet, coupled to a core network via backhaul and viaan OpenRAN server running software as described elsewhere herein. Insome embodiments, the same baseband unit as shown in FIG. 7 may be usedto operate the radio head in FIG. 8, simply by modifying its softwareor, in some cases, upgrading its hardware processing capability.Different radios can provide different frequency band support, in someembodiments. Different numbers of radios, different waveforms, differentRATs, different modulations, etc. can be supported by the same basebandunit, in some embodiments. This enables a single baseband unit to beused flexibly and at scale by a network operator in both urban andnon-urban scenarios, and to be upgraded with additional or differentradios based on need without requiring cumbersome upgrades of the BBU.Noteworthy is that the BBU described herein is not limited to providingservice from only one RAT, such as 4G or 5G, but is able to flexiblyprovide service to different RATs with a software upgrade. This ispossible using software stacks and FPGAs at the BBU that implementdecoding and baseband processing for the different RATs.

Capacity

As MNOs deploy 5G networks, how people connect in urban areas will drivesolutions that operators will deploy. Easy to install, low-cost andhigh-performing cloud-native Parallel Wireless OpenRAN supports macro orsmall cell deployments for densification and delivers superior end userQoS for consumers and industries.

Customer MNO challenge

ECONOMICS: cost to deploy and maintain network for coverage or capacitywhich will skyrocket w/5G deployments. Analysts project deployment costof a 5G macro cell, shows pricing will fall by 50% from now until 2022if it is built around an open architecture, whereas it will only fall30% if it is built in the traditional way. The 20% difference ishundreds of millions and will drive the overall TCO down.

VENDOR DIVERSITY AND INNOVATION: In the past, MNOs bid out their RANevery 3 years in an attempt to save 30%. They bid with current and newvendors—this drove the price down, but they had to rip and replace. Andthen repeat again in 3 years. With OpenRAN, the bidding will be onlyaround software, no need to replace the hardware on site. This willresult in overall much lower TCO 5G will be an expensive lock in withthe same old vendor (unless it's Open) and 2. unless modernized andunified there will be three to four Gs to maintain on their networks).

END USER EXPECTATIONS: end users want more and will jump the ship ifcost doesn't match the experience they're expecting.

PW is the world's only wireless infrastructure company that helps globalMNOs to reimagine how their wireless networks are built and deliversubstantial cost savings with our leading OpenRAN solutions.

Positioning

segment: global MNOs

Unified, cloud native, software-defined architecture across RAN,transport, and Core to reduce cost and deployment complexity for today'sand tomorrow's network deployments for consumers and industries. Solvingeconomics dilemma: by reducing hw cost, CAPEX can be reduces—even 20% ofreduction will deliver millions of dollars, especially for 5Gdeployments. Network automation helps with deployment cost and on-goingmaintenance cost.

Cloud native, unified, intelligent and secure across RAN, transport andCore for ALL G (2G, 3G, 4G, 5G); software upgrade to 5G deliversinvestment protection; while other companies rip and replace which costs$$$.

segment: MNOs that are open to “think different” and are ready to changethe way they build and operate networks.

Solving Interoperability: legacy vendors that not only do not interopw/newer vendors or each other but cannot interop with their own previousGs (run as siloes). Unless MNOs deploy new technologies, 5G deploymentswill repeat deployments for 3G, 4G when they will get locked with onevendor costing them $$$. Analysts predict that legacy vendors due tosiloed and non-interoperable costing a lot in OPEX which is much higherthan initial CAPEX. Will get even worse with 5GPW software isinteroperability layer (Open RAN).

Interoperable enabled by the world's first Open RAN controller with anyvendor or any G allowing selection of multi-vendor systems for 5G.

Target 1: Global MNOs looking to reduce deployment cost of 2G/3G/4G.

Positioning for Target 1: Open RAN message: by disaggregating hardwareand software an virtualizing network functions on Open Ran controller,deployment cost is reduced and maintenance is simplified.

Solving capacity demands of the end users (i.e. cost effective MassiveMIMO) and providing differentiated experience enabled by software (i.e.Private LTE).

Enables new operating models that reduces cost (MOCN/sharing first, OPENRAN) as it delivers new value for the customers (Private LTE withnetwork slicing, e etc.,).

Target 2: Global MNOs looking for high end innovative cloud native 4Gand 5G solutions that will meet 5G economics.

Positioning for Target 2: 5G starts here. Looking for solutions thathelp to meet 5G economics (i.e. Massive MIMO cost, network slicing, RANand Core sharing). 5G OpenRAN.

Result: unified architecture across All G, software upgradable to 5G,lowest TCO.

Help global MNOs to change the world by helping them reimagine theirnetworks—through PW's world's only unified ALL G cloud-native OpenRANarchitecture and world's first and largest Open RAN ecosystem.

Reimagine your network. Reimagine Your Economics.

Innovative, disruptive, human, credible.

Fully virtualized/cloud native open and horizontally distributedsoftware-based OpenRAN architecture across ALL Gs.

Softwarization

Disaggregation of hardware and software puts software in the center ofnetwork and delivers elastic scalability across all network componentsfrom access, transport to the core enabling Access, transport and corerun as apps and services not vertical silos. Open RAN for ALL Gincluding 5G with largest Open RAN hardware portfolio for outdoor andindoor coverage and capacity enabled by Open RAN Controller.

The software enabled approach delivers unprecedented opportunities toreduce complexity and drive out cost from every aspect of the network(RAN and core) This hw agnostic approach results in RAN and CoreOpenness enabling multi-vendor deployments and also futureproofs for anyfuture G with just a remote software upgrade.

Openness

Network openness across all components, for ALL G, not just 4G or5G—ability to select any vendor for hw. OpenRAN Controller enables that.

Significantly improves network economics by converging ‘ALL G’,including 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, on to one unified software platform. Thiseliminates the need for operators to maintain siloed legacy networksdedicated to just one G service resulting in up to 60% maintenance costreduction. Allows to modernize legacy networks for cost reduction willbe essential to reduce the complexity and integration expense of rollingout multivendor 5G systems.

Edgification (Edge)

With local breakout; low latency deliver these benefits to all Gnetworks with Edge Core and Open RAN Controller.

The concept of open goes beyond just standards interoperability. Intheory, a RAN built by Nokia, Ericsson or Huawei is interoperable withany device, any core, any transmission network due to its conformancewith 3GPP standards. But the software and interfaces remain eitherproprietary or optimized by the individual vendor and are often tied tothe underlying hardware layer by the same vendor. The vision of the OpenRAN by Parallel Wireless is that it is open within the RAN, with theinterfaces and operating software separating the RAN control plane fromthe user plane, building a modular base station software stack thatoperates on common-off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware, with open north- andsouth-bound interface. This software-enabled architecture enables a“white box” RAN Hardware meaning that baseband units, radio units andremote radio heads can be assembled from any vendor and plugged togetherto form a truly interoperable and open network.

The resulting cost benefits are huge. It offers a negotiating position—aviable “other” to the current vendor pricing model. And it is reducingdedicated hardware cost. Open source designs for the radio softwareminimizes costs still further.

However, the technical consequences are also sizeable. Radio networkprocessing is intensive, real time, and complex. It has relied on theoptimized software and hardware capabilities—working in tandem—ofspecialist vendors. But to save the cost and to reduce operationalcomplexity, operators (like Telefonica, Vodafone, MTN) are trustingwhite box RAN from PW and IT servers running HetNet software.

Cloud Native

Software-based unified architecture (openRAN) that is purpose built forthe cloud model across all G, not just 4G or 5G. This is a softwareplatform that offers easy scale-out and hardware decoupling (openRAN)—toprovide MNOos with greater agility, resilience, and portability acrosscloud environments for greater TCO savings.

With pw real-time SON, operators can deploy in the matter of hoursinstead of days without using complex planning tools. SON will alsoenable self-optimization of the networks reducing the need to go on siteresulting in up to 60% cost-savings and will enable self-healing—bothcombined will provide optimized experience to end users and industries.Analytics will provide real-time intelligence through insights intonetworks operations and drive efficiency and network performance.

Intelligent Automation

Real-time visibility into the network and big data to enable intelligentnetwork improvement or optimization decisions in real-time. Automationdelivers zero touch deployments and makes networks programmable.

Brings real-time, high-bandwidth, low-latency access tolatency-dependent applications (connected cars, IoT, rural, enterprises.Edge processing is key to massive IoT deployments and as crucial foranalyzing large amounts of data coming from increasingly connectedthings. Industries benefit from edge computing where services aredelivered from an edge server. The content is locally stored, processed,and delivered—not requiring a backhaul or centralized core network.

Agility

Agility through software delivers 1. Fast network deployments. 2. NoCapacity/Coverage Limits. Disaggregation of hardware and software allowsabundance of capacity at much lower cost including Massive MIMOs and 5GNRs—they will be lighter, consume less power, will be easy to deploy andmaintain through automation.

Deployments happen within days, not months—deployed by low skill laborcrew. Additional capacity can be added easily, upgrades are remote withsimple software upgrades.

Creating New Business Opportunities

By bringing 4G and 5G capabilities like low latency, network slicing,ran and core sharing, MNOs can provide differentiated services to their2G/3G/4G/5G end users and verticals resulting in new revenueopportunities and faster return on the investment.

There are also risks seen by some operators of partnering with animmature and fragmented open solution.

TCO reduction

60% CAPEX REDUCTION. 65% OPEX REDUCTION

Software Innovation and openness (sw and hw disaggregation and COTS) andnetwork automation drives TCO reduction

Credibility

Deployed for network modernization, coverage and 5G across sixcontinents with over 60 global MNO's networks.

VF and Telefonica naming PW as the best supporting vendor across ALL G.In the 1st year in Africa, connected in 12 countries. Strategicpartnership with 100 CCA members in the US.

Software Defined (Open) vRAN

Outdoor and Indoor RAN products (CWS, RRH, CAP), BBU for capacity; 5GOpen RAN. DU CU separation/RAN splits.

Disaggregation of hardware and software along with decoupling of CU/DUfunctionality and support of any 3GPP compliant split. SDR radio thatcan be software upgraded to any G, including 5G for ease of deploymentand lower cost (no rip and replace). Flexible and programmablearchitecture. Separating RAN hardware and software, using commoditizedGPP-based hardware creates an Open ecosystem to drive cost down as apart of an end-to-end solution especially for multi-vendor 5Gdeployments. Software based approach delivers ultra-high capacityaccess, no capacity or coverage limits as resources can be extendedcost-effectively. Brings an Open ecosystem for 5G (most capable 5G OpenRAN). vCU at the edge cloud brings in intelligence and optimization forMEC.

RAN Controller

Industry's first and most innovative OpenRAN controller. Supports E2interface and works with multi-vendor RAN. Fully virtualized andscalable infrastructure. Enables radio and network optimization andanalytics. orchestrates indoor or outdoor RAN products.

Edge Centric

Edge Core

Edge centric architecture is a key to low latency. MNOs can deliver 5Glike low latency across ALL G networks to enable end user QoS. Alsoenable MEC via edge core for low latency applications. Control and userplane separation is enabled via 4G and 5G packet core data planefunctions running at the edge.

Network Software

5G starts here

Interoperable

World's First fully compliant virtualized Open RAN Controller (RIC)across 5G 4G 3G 2G and Wi-Fi.

NFV-based, innovative fully virtualized functionality for: InnovationVirtualization vBSC, vRNC, x2 GW, ePDG/TWAG functionality. Enablesorchestration of multi-vendor RAN systems—key for 5G. Allows networkmodernization of legacy 2G and 3G systems for cost savings. Helps with4G expansion. Responsible for Radio connection management, mobilitymanagement, QoS management, edge services and interference managementfor the end user experience. Helps create a multivendor, open ecosystemof interoperable components for the various RAN elements and vendors.

2G

The Parallel Wireless GSM Radio Access Network solution consists in acomplete Base Station Subsystem, ready to be interfaced to MSC & SGSN ofexisting networks or any greenfield deployments. Both the Abis and Ainterface could be implemented over IP or E1/T1, which simplifies localconnectivity, provides flexibility in deployments, and makes it easy tocarry traffic over various types of backhaul. The additional technicalfeatures include:

Fully virtualized 2G solution that not only virtualizes 2G includingvBSC but simplifies legacy 2F architecture with improved performance onhigh latency backhaul links (i.e satellite) and improved voice qualitywith RTP localization feature (Lawful Intercept enabled).

2G solution that provides MUCH larger coverage area with much Higher RFoutput and is easy to deploy and maintain as it is fully automatedthough OpenRAN software SON module.

Easy and cost-effective upgradability to future Gs as it's the only RANsolution with no forklift upgrade from 2G to 3G to 4G and 5G as the sameBTS can support 2G, 3G, 4G at the same time (2+ technologies within thesame band), no need to buy additional equipment once ready to provide 3Gor 4G and the software provides 3G, 4G, Wi-Fi support and is 5G-ready.

Flexible backhaul options, including low-cost wireless mesh, satellite,microwave

Scalable with tens of thousands of sites can be supported and MOCN andRAN sharing enabled.

The OpenRAN and Network Software Suite makes the OpenRAN hardwareself-configurable, self-optimizing and self-healing via real-time SelfOrganizing Network (SON) functions. It also provides resilience andself-healing and comes with intelligent power management that monitorsand manages the radios to ensure that neighboring networks are notnegatively impacted. All this makes it ideal for deployment using avariety of power options. This helps with the overall networkperformance towards a higher customer Quality of Experience (QoS). Thesoftware can run on any COTS server, including mini-servers and can bedeployed in the cloud or local. Local deployments along with a localcore can provide additional level of resilience. To ensure the limitedbackhaul available doesn't limit end user experience, the software suitecan enable MEC for local communities—so educational applications likeschoolwork can be cached. With local breakout, the software ensures thatdata can be offloaded from operator's network, again, making sure thatany available bandwidth is not consumed by traffic that can be localizedor offloaded. It also supports active-active model towards MSC and SGSNto provide additional resiliency in case of network outages or failures.

Deployment Benefits

The Parallel Wireless fully virtualized 2G solution delivers thefollowing business benefits to global mobile operators:

-   -   Lowest TCO for dual-mode 2G/3G/4G/5G or single mode solution as        it provides vBSC via the software that can support tens of        thousands of cells (reducing cost since 1 BSC can cover multiple        sites).

Lowest Site CAPEX with an easy plug-n-play install with SON. InnovativeOpenRAN hardware doesn't require cooling, requires fewer solar panels orbatteries, reducing overall site cost. It can be installed on poles orexisting and exposed structures due to lighter wind load. With flexiblebackhaul (today or tomorrow's technology) the install cost is evenfurther reduced.

-   -   Reduced OPEX through

Lowest power consumption for multimode operation

Automated, hands-free maintenance via SON

Self-optimization and self-healing of any remote sites (no need to sendengineers on site/expensive truck rolls)

Split BSC allows for satellite link to be shut down when not in use

SON module Parallel Wireless can adjust RF power levels or shut basestation down in non-peak hours

-   -   Supports a variety of deployment scenarios for coverage and        capacity (rural, suburban, mobile black spots, etc.) including        greenfield 2G or expanding current 2G footprint    -   Investment protection through future-proof architecture with 3G,        4G, Wi-Fi functionality being built in in the software suite to        optimize the investment. This allows MNOs to migrate to 3G, 4G        on their timelines at much lower cost and is 5G ready.

FIG. 9 shows a 2G architecture simplification 900. Abstraction Layer

OpenRAN Software Suite virtualizes the RAN interfaces to manage the 5G,4G, 3G, 2G cells in real-time via multi-technology SON while abstractingRAN changes from the core network and the core network itself from theRAN. The OpenRAN Software Suite virtualizes thousands of base stationsto look like a few virtualized “boomer cells” to the core. The OpenRANSoftware Suite virtualizes the radio network resources such as Wi-FiAPs, eNodeBs, NodeBs, and NRs and makes them self-configurable,self-optimizing, and self-healing which helps with the initialinstallation and on-going maintenance and reduces the overall TCO.

Features and Capabilities

FIG. 10 shows an OpenRAN software suite 1000. Parallel Wireless OpenRANSoftware Suite helps operators cost effectively roll out new cells orWi-Fi APs and manage coverage and capacity of existing nodes by reducingcomplexity between RAN and the core sides of the network withabstracting RAN and core sides of the network with “many-to-one-to-many”approach:

On the RAN side of the network, the software virtualizes existing cellsinto a pool of virtualized resources that can be allocated dynamically.It virtualizes thousands of base stations to look like a few virtualized“supercells” to the core. This capability allows operators to expandtheir RAN for additional coverage and capacity without putting anyadditional strain from signaling on the core components. This capabilityallows the software to aggregate S1 and X2 interfaces from the nodesunder its management. This aggregation allows anchoring of all thetraffic for seamless handoffs between 5G, 4G, 3G, 2G, and Wi-Fitechnologies. The software suite uses all 3GPP standard interfaces tocommunicate to nearby 2G, 3G, 4G, or 5G macros or Wi-Fi APs: standard X2interfaces to communicate with nearby 4G macros; as a virtual RNC, usesIu-CS and Iu-PS interfaces to communicate with MSC and 3G packet core;and SWu interface to talk to Wi-Fi UEs. The software uses thiscollective information to mitigate interference. OpenRAN Software suiteis able to make real-time decisions based on its direct position in thesignaling and data path and interworking of various multi-technologyvirtualized gateway functions. It also handles mobility and sessioncontinuity across UMTS, Wi-Fi, LTE or 5G with local anchoring on theOpenRAN controller.

On the core side, the software virtualizes multiple cores into a pool ofresources for the multi-technology RANs and presents them as standardinterfaces to packet core. By aggregating multi-RAT traffic, thesoftware enables signaling reduction towards the core and mitigates anysignaling storms. By virtualizing core towards the RAN, OpenRANcontroller allows operators to deploy multiple packet cores, supportMOCN, optimize IoT traffic, enable eMBMS, and provide more profitableMVNOs offerings.

This capability is designed to handle deployment challenges frombuilding a new network, to scaling the network, to filling coverage gapsthat traditional network architecture is not designed to handle—all at alower cost.

In addition to being able to handle 5G, 4G, 3G, 2G RAN and Corefunctionality, the Software Suite would be able to support multiple 5Gnetwork architecture deployment options simultaneously. Each gNodeB canbe configured to work as an en-gNB for NSA Option 3/3a/3x or as gNB forSA Option 2. Intelligent algorithms in the software platform can handlerouting of signaling and data from each eNB/gNB to the required EPC/5GC.The intelligent algorithms are also able to provide slicing likefunctionality to legacy 2G/3G networks as well as 4G.

Slicing helps to support new use cases and differentiated experiencesincluding private networks and will be a source of new revenue for themobile operators.

FIG. 11 shows a slice pairing function 1100 between a RAN/fixed accessand a core network. In order to support the different type of services,the network resources, all the way from the RAN to the Internet access,will require the ability to have End-to-End ‘slices’, each of them withtheir own performance characteristics, isolated from the other slices.Each slice will have a requirement for a different QoS, securityconsiderations, latency characteristics, In-line Services, etc. Forexample, the network characteristics for a Best Effort IoT slice willdiffer significantly from a high-end enterprise slice (think throughput,latency, always-on vs intermittent connection, data volume, voice vsdata-only)

The OpenRAN Network Software Suite is the only platform that is capablein orchestrating the slicing functionality for all technologies (5G, 4G,3G, 2G, and Wi-Fi).

The network slicing functionality contains access network slices, corenetwork slices and the selection function in the OpenRAN Software Suitethat connects these slices into a complete network slice comprised ofboth the access network and the core network (CN). The selectionfunction routes communications to an appropriate CN slice that istailored to provide specific services. The criteria of defining theaccess slices and CN slices include the need to meet differentservice/applications requirements and to meet different communicationrequirements. Each core network slice is built from a set of networkfunctions (NFs). An important factor in slicing is that some NFs can beused across multiple slices, while other NFs are tailored to a specificslice.

In addition to being able to handle 2G, 3G & 4G RAN and Corefunctionality, the Software Suite would be able to support multiple 5Gnetwork architecture deployment options simultaneously. Each gNodeB canbe configured to work as a gNB for NSA Option 3/3a/3x or as gNB for SAOption 2. Intelligent algorithms in the software platform can handlerouting of signaling and data from each eNB/gNB to the required EPC/5GC.The intelligent algorithms are also able to provide slicing likefunctionality to legacy 2G/3G networks as well as 4G.

Slicing helps support new use cases and differentiated experiencesincluding private networks and will be a source of new revenue for themobile operators.

Unified

Function Consolidation

Many functions like Small Cell GW, Home ENodeB GW and others areconsolidates on one COTS server.

Unified Wi-Fi GW

Wi-Fi gateway functionality support in the unified architecture deliversseamless mobility and new services like offload, voice services(VoWiFi).

Cloud Native

vEPC

Seamless convergence of multiple networks into one unified network.Provides scalable packet core (MME, SGW, PGW).

5G Core

5G Core is Service-Based Architecture (SBA), it is designed from theground-up for complete control and user plane separation. Rather thanphysical network elements, the 5G Core comprises virtualized,software-based cloud native network functions (or services). Our 5Gpacket core enables new services for operators to generate new revenuestreams. Smooth and cost effective transition from 4G to 5G. Networkautomation with cloud native architecture and deployment flexibility.

Network Slicing

For all G networks and end to end from RAN, transport to the core.Enables differentiated service for Private LTE networks: Network as aService. Has the ability to have End-to-End ‘slices’, each of them withtheir own performance characteristics, isolated from the other slices.Each slice has a requirement for a different QoS, securityconsiderations, latency characteristics, Inline Services, etc. (i.e. thenetwork characteristics for a Best Effort IoT slice will differsignificantly from a high-end Private LTE/Enterprise slice (throughput,latency, always-on vs intermittent connection, data volume, voice vsdata-only)

Abstraction Layer

With edge centric architecture, decouple core networks from RANs byabstraction core side to a virtualization layer to enable G unificationon the RAN side and core sharing.

Performance

High capacity, high throughput solution, taking advantage of latestcompute and technology advances, riding the Intel curve, highavailability, linear and elastic scaling, runs on any COTS basedinfrastructure. Supports the demands of high throughput 5G network.

Multi-Tenant/Sharing

MORAN/MOCN

It quite easily enables MOCN, by having the ability to interrogate thetraffic and route to the proper Core. This then allows RAN sharing tohappen without complication to any of the home networks, the HetNetGateway simply requires connections to each Core and handles the heavylifting of routing of the traffic properly. In turn, each Core networkmanages their users as if they are on the Home network. This allowsservices such as RCS, VoLTE, LI, etc. to remain viable regardless of thefact that the User is not in effect on a Home network. This is a keycapability for new use cases like Private LTE (MOCN) and 5G networkdensification (MORAN).

Secure

Security GW

Part of the overall architecture, virtualized, high capacity SecurityGateway for edge and network security.

Network Intelligence and Automation

Enabling Intelligent and Profitable Networks

Big Data enabled

Analytics

Network intelligence

Real time ALL G SON

As the HetNet GW unifies and abstracts the RAN while orchestrating it inreal-time, making it self-configuring, self-optimizing, andself-healing, any RAN additions to the network are done quickly, withoutspecialized staff and without compromising QoE. X2-based Inter-cellInterference Coordination (ICIC) functionality improves the cell-edgeexperience, as the HetNet GW SON mitigates interference to ensureoptimal QoE for each subscriber.

NFV-Enabled

Intelligent Network Orchestration

Fully virtualized, across the network from ran to core—key for networkslicing across all g with son. Delivers automation and programmabilityacross all g for professional services savings. Acts as an any-ap/nodeunifier/orchestrator, anchors the traffic, and handles any mobilityhandoffs locally. This results in seamless handoff for the wirelessusers as they switch between different technologies indoors and outdoors

PW leads the innovation in wireless infrastructure with software-definedunified cloud native OpenRAN architecture with world's largest Open RANecosystem delivering substantial cost savings to MNOs when building ormaintaining today's 4G 3G 2G and tomorrow's multi-vendor 5G networks toenable quality experience to the end users and industries.

Parallel Wireless created world's only ALL G software enabled OpenRANarchitecture to make delivery of wireless coverage or capacity usecases, especially capital intensive 5G, affordable as it enables mobileoperators and industries to unleash the full value of connectivity. Withunified across 5G 4G 3G 2G cloud native architecture that is open andstandardized across five key domains—RAN, Edge, Core, Orchestration andAnalytics—we are committed to 5G vision of bringing Internet to everyperson and organization for a truly connected world. The company'send-to-end ALL G cloud native OpenRAN portfolio is designed to help ourcustomers modernize their networks, reduce deployment cost andcomplexity, increase operational efficiency, find new revenue streamsand start deploying multi-vendor 5G networks today. Through opencollaboration with OpenRAN ecosystem partners, we created world's firstand largest fully compliant Open RAN ecosystem that delivers the nextgeneration of wireless infrastructure to be much lower cost ensuringmore equal access to 5G globally. Our customers include over 60 globalmobile operators, as well as private and public industries andgovernments that use our software defined network portfolio to reimaginetheir networks.

Parallel Wireless is the leading provider of world's only unified across2G 3G 4G 5G cloud native OpenRAN architecture for global mobileoperators and verticals that transforms how networks are deployed andmanaged today. Our software-defined fully compliant and interoperableOpenRAN architecture was designed from the ground up to reducecomplexity and drive out cost from every aspect from the RAN to theCORE. We pride ourselves on offering a fully automated outdoor or indoorcoverage and capacity solutions that are easy and cost-effective todeploy and maintain and are software upgradable to 5G. Parallel Wirelessenabled the world's largest Open RAN ecosystem and has been recognizedby Vodafone and Telefonica as a best performing vendor. Bringingtogether unified network software and Open RAN hardware, we are the onlyUS provider capable of delivering true end-to-end innovative solutionsfor 5G, 4G, 3G and 2G deployments globally, including complex mixedtechnology scenarios. Our innovation has been recognized with 60+industry awards.

With software first approach, Parallel Wireless makes 5G 4G 3G 2Gwireless infrastructures to be much lower cost and easier to deploy andmaintain ensuring more equal access to 5G globally.

legacy

Proprietary hardware boxes.

All functions run on specific hardware.

PW

GPP-based hardware

GPP-based hardware

Decoupled hardware and software

Open and modular design

Legacy switch off requires a significant effort, but brings simplicity,efficiency and agility resulting in cost reduction.

Innovation

Flexibility

Efficiency

Differentiated services at the edge

FIG. 12 is a schematic network architecture diagram for 3G and other-Gprior art networks. The diagram shows a plurality of “Gs,” including 2G,3G, 4G, 5G and Wi-Fi. 2G is represented by GERAN 1201, which includes a2G device 1201 a, BTS 1201 b, and BSC 1201 c. 3G is represented by UTRAN1202, which includes a 3G UE 1202 a, nodeB 1202 b, RNC 1202 c, and femtogateway (FGW, which in 3GPP namespace is also known as a Home nodeBGateway or HNBGW) 1202 d. 4G is represented by EUTRAN or E-RAN 1203,which includes an LTE UE 1203 a and LTE eNodeB 1203 b. Wi-Fi isrepresented by Wi-Fi access network 1204, which includes a trusted Wi-Fiaccess point 1204 c and an untrusted Wi-Fi access point 1204 d. TheWi-Fi devices 1204 a and 1204 b may access either AP 1204 c or 1204 d.In the current network architecture, each “G” has a core network. 2Gcircuit core network 1205 includes a 2G MSC/VLR; 2G/3G packet corenetwork 1206 includes an SGSN/GGSN (for EDGE or UMTS packet traffic); 3Gcircuit core 1207 includes a 3G MSC/VLR; 4G circuit core 1208 includesan evolved packet core (EPC); and in some embodiments the Wi-Fi accessnetwork may be connected via an ePDG/TTG using S2a/S2b. Each of thesenodes are connected via a number of different protocols and interfaces,as shown, to other, non-“G”-specific network nodes, such as the SCP1230, the SMSC 1231, PCRF 1232, HLR/HSS 1233, Authentication,Authorization, and Accounting server (AAA) 1234, and IP MultimediaSubsystem (IMS) 1235. An HeMS/AAA 1236 is present in some cases for useby the 3G UTRAN. The diagram is used to indicate schematically the basicfunctions of each network as known to one of skill in the art, and isnot intended to be exhaustive. For example, 5G core 1217 is shown usinga single interface to 5G access 1216, although in some cases 5G accesscan be supported using dual connectivity or via a non-standalonedeployment architecture.

Noteworthy is that the RANs 1201, 1202, 1203, 1204 and 1236 rely onspecialized core networks 1205, 1206, 1207, 1208, 1209, 1237 but shareessential management databases 1230, 1231, 1232, 1233, 1234, 1235, 1238.More specifically, for the 2G GERAN, a BSC 1201 c is required for Abiscompatibility with BTS 1201 b, while for the 3G UTRAN, an RNC 1202 c isrequired for Iub compatibility and an FGW 1202 d is required for Iuhcompatibility. These core network functions are separate because eachRAT uses different methods and techniques. On the right side of thediagram are disparate functions that are shared by each of the separateRAT core networks. These shared functions include, e.g., PCRF policyfunctions, AAA authentication functions, and the like. Letters on thelines indicate well-defined interfaces and protocols for communicationbetween the identified nodes.

The system may include 5G equipment. 5G networks are digital cellularnetworks, in which the service area covered by providers is divided intoa collection of small geographical areas called cells. Analog signalsrepresenting sounds and images are digitized in the phone, converted byan analog to digital converter and transmitted as a stream of bits. Allthe 5G wireless devices in a cell communicate by radio waves with alocal antenna array and low power automated transceiver (transmitter andreceiver) in the cell, over frequency channels assigned by thetransceiver from a common pool of frequencies, which are reused ingeographically separated cells. The local antennas are connected withthe telephone network and the Internet by a high bandwidth optical fiberor wireless backhaul connection.

5G uses millimeter waves which have shorter range than microwaves,therefore the cells are limited to smaller size. Millimeter waveantennas are smaller than the large antennas used in previous cellularnetworks. They are only a few inches (several centimeters) long. Anothertechnique used for increasing the data rate is massive MIMO(multiple-input multiple-output). Each cell will have multiple antennascommunicating with the wireless device, received by multiple antennas inthe device, thus multiple bitstreams of data will be transmittedsimultaneously, in parallel. In a technique called beamforming the basestation computer will continuously calculate the best route for radiowaves to reach each wireless device, and will organize multiple antennasto work together as phased arrays to create beams of millimeter waves toreach the device.

FIG. 10 shows an enhanced eNodeB for performing the methods describedherein, in accordance with some embodiments. eNodeB 1300 may includeprocessor 1302, processor memory 1304 in communication with theprocessor, baseband processor 1306, and baseband processor memory 1308in communication with the baseband processor. Mesh network node 1300 mayalso include first radio transceiver 1310 and second radio transceiver1314, internal universal serial bus (USB) port 1316, and subscriberinformation module card (SIM card) 1318 coupled to USB port 1316. Insome embodiments, the second radio transceiver 1314 itself may becoupled to USB port 1316, and communications from the baseband processormay be passed through USB port 1316. The second radio transceiver may beused for wirelessly backhauling eNodeB 1300. The enhanced eNodeB issuitable for functional splits as shown in, e.g., FIGS. 7-8.

Processor 1302 and baseband processor 1306 are in communication with oneanother. Processor 1302 may perform routing functions, and may determineif/when a switch in network configuration is needed. Baseband processor1306 may generate and receive radio signals for both radio transceivers1310 and 1314, based on instructions from processor 1302. In someembodiments, processors 1302 and 1306 may be on the same physical logicboard. In other embodiments, they may be on separate logic boards.Functional splits will enable some baseband processing to happen withinthe enhanced eNodeB and some baseband processing to happen within aseparate BBU (CU). In some embodiments, all baseband processing willhappen at a BBU and the baseband processor will instead be replaced by afronthaul bus processor.

Processor 1302 may identify the appropriate network configuration, andmay perform routing of packets from one network interface to anotheraccordingly. Processor 1302 may use memory 1304, in particular to storea routing table to be used for routing packets. Baseband processor 1306may perform operations to generate the radio frequency signals fortransmission or retransmission by both transceivers 1310 and 1310.Baseband processor 1306 may also perform operations to decode signalsreceived by transceivers 1310 and 1314. Baseband processor 1306 may usememory 1308 to perform these tasks.

The first radio transceiver 1310 may be a radio transceiver capable ofproviding LTE eNodeB functionality, and may be capable of higher powerand multi-channel OFDMA. The second radio transceiver 1314 may be aradio transceiver capable of providing LTE UE functionality. Bothtransceivers 1310 and 1314 may be capable of receiving and transmittingon one or more LTE bands. In some embodiments, either or both oftransceivers 1310 and 1314 may be capable of providing both LTE eNodeBand LTE UE functionality. Transceiver 1310 may be coupled to processor1302 via a Peripheral Component Interconnect-Express (PCI-E) bus, and/orvia a daughtercard. As transceiver 1314 is for providing LTE UEfunctionality, in effect emulating a user equipment, it may be connectedvia the same or different PCI-E bus, or by a USB bus, and may also becoupled to SIM card 1318. First transceiver 1310 may be coupled to firstradio frequency (RF) chain (filter, amplifier, antenna) 1322, and secondtransceiver 1314 may be coupled to second RF chain (filter, amplifier,antenna) 1324.

SIM card 1318 may provide information required for authenticating thesimulated UE to the evolved packet core (EPC). When no access to anoperator EPC is available, a local EPC may be used, or another local EPCon the network may be used. This information may be stored within theSIM card, and may include one or more of an international mobileequipment identity (IMEI), international mobile subscriber identity(IMSI), or other parameter needed to identify a UE. Special parametersmay also be stored in the SIM card or provided by the processor duringprocessing to identify to a target eNodeB that device 1300 is not anordinary UE but instead is a special UE for providing backhaul to device1300.

Wired backhaul or wireless backhaul may be used. Wired backhaul may bean Ethernet-based backhaul (including Gigabit Ethernet), or afiber-optic backhaul connection, or a cable-based backhaul connection,in some embodiments. Additionally, wireless backhaul may be provided inaddition to wireless transceivers 1310 and 1314, which may be Wi-Fi802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ad/ah, Bluetooth, ZigBee, microwave (includingline-of-sight microwave), or another wireless backhaul connection. Anyof the wired and wireless connections described herein may be usedflexibly for either access (providing a network connection to UEs) orbackhaul (providing a mesh link or providing a link to a gateway or corenetwork), according to identified network conditions and needs, and maybe under the control of processor 1302 for reconfiguration.

A GPS module 1330 may also be included, and may be in communication witha GPS antenna 1332 for providing GPS coordinates, as described herein.When mounted in a vehicle, the GPS antenna may be located on theexterior of the vehicle pointing upward, for receiving signals fromoverhead without being blocked by the bulk of the vehicle or the skin ofthe vehicle. Automatic neighbor relations (ANR) module 1332 may also bepresent and may run on processor 1302 or on another processor, or may belocated within another device, according to the methods and proceduresdescribed herein.

Other elements and/or modules may also be included, such as a homeeNodeB, a local gateway (LGW), a self-organizing network (SON) module,or another module. Additional radio amplifiers, radio transceiversand/or wired network connections may also be included.

FIG. 11 is a coordinating server for providing services and performingmethods as described herein, in accordance with some embodiments.Coordinating server 1100 includes processor 1402 and memory 1404, whichare configured to provide the functions described herein. Also presentare radio access network coordination/routing (RAN Coordination androuting) module 1406, including ANR module 1406 a, RAN configurationmodule 1408, and RAN proxying module 1410. The ANR module 1406 a mayperform the ANR tracking, PCI disambiguation, ECGI requesting, and GPScoalescing and tracking as described herein, in coordination with RANcoordination module 1406 (e.g., for requesting ECGIs, etc.). In someembodiments, coordinating server 1400 may coordinate multiple RANs usingcoordination module 1406. In some embodiments, coordination server mayalso provide proxying, routing virtualization and RAN virtualization,via modules 1410 and 1408. In some embodiments, a downstream networkinterface 1412 is provided for interfacing with the RANs, which may be aradio interface (e.g., LTE), and an upstream network interface 1414 isprovided for interfacing with the core network, which may be either aradio interface (e.g., LTE) or a wired interface (e.g., Ethernet).

Coordinator 1400 includes local evolved packet core (EPC) module 1420,for authenticating users, storing and caching priority profileinformation, and performing other EPC-dependent functions when nobackhaul link is available. Local EPC 1420 may include local HSS 1422,local MME 1424, local SGW 1426, and local PGW 1428, as well as othermodules. Local EPC 1420 may incorporate these modules as softwaremodules, processes, or containers. Local EPC 1420 may alternativelyincorporate these modules as a small number of monolithic softwareprocesses. Modules 1406, 1408, 1410 and local EPC 1420 may each run onprocessor 1402 or on another processor, or may be located within anotherdevice.

In any of the scenarios described herein, where processing may beperformed at the cell, the processing may also be performed incoordination with a cloud coordination server. A mesh node may be aneNodeB. An eNodeB may be in communication with the cloud coordinationserver via an X2 protocol connection, or another connection. The eNodeBmay perform inter-cell coordination via the cloud communication server,when other cells are in communication with the cloud coordinationserver. The eNodeB may communicate with the cloud coordination server todetermine whether the UE has the ability to support a handover to Wi-Fi,e.g., in a heterogeneous network.

Although the methods above are described as separate embodiments, one ofskill in the art would understand that it would be possible anddesirable to combine several of the above methods into a singleembodiment, or to combine disparate methods into a single embodiment.For example, all of the above methods could be combined. In thescenarios where multiple embodiments are described, the methods could becombined in sequential order, or in various orders as necessary.

Although the above systems and methods for providing interferencemitigation are described in reference to the 5G standard or the LongTerm Evolution (LTE) standard, one of skill in the art would understandthat these systems and methods could be adapted for use with otherwireless standards or versions thereof. The inventors have understoodand appreciated that the present disclosure could be used in conjunctionwith various network architectures and technologies. Wherever a 5Gtechnology is described, the inventors have understood that other RATshave similar equivalents, such as a gNodeB and eNB in 4G. Wherever anMME is described, the MME could be a 3G RNC or a 5G AMF/SMF.Additionally, wherever an MME is described, any other node in the corenetwork could be managed in much the same way or in an equivalent oranalogous way, for example, multiple connections to 4G EPC PGWs or SGWs,or any other node for any other RAT, could be periodically evaluated forhealth and otherwise monitored, and the other aspects of the presentdisclosure could be made to apply, in a way that would be understood byone having skill in the art.

Additionally, the inventors have understood and appreciated that it isadvantageous to perform certain functions at a coordination server, suchas the Parallel Wireless HetNet Gateway, which performs virtualizationof the RAN towards the core and vice versa, so that the core functionsmay be statefully proxied through the coordination server to enable theRAN to have reduced complexity. Therefore, at least four scenarios aredescribed: (1) the selection of an MME or core node at the base station;(2) the selection of an MME or core node at a coordinating server suchas a virtual radio network controller gateway (VRNCGW); (3) theselection of an MME or core node at the base station that is connectedto a 5G-capable core network (either a 5G core network in a 5Gstandalone configuration, or a 4G core network in 5G non-standaloneconfiguration); (4) the selection of an MME or core node at acoordinating server that is connected to a 5G-capable core network(either 5G SA or NSA). In some embodiments, the core network RAT isobscured or virtualized towards the RAN such that the coordinationserver and not the base station is performing the functions describedherein, e.g., the health management functions, to ensure that the RAN isalways connected to an appropriate core network node. Differentprotocols other than S1AP, or the same protocol, could be used, in someembodiments.

In some embodiments, the software needed for implementing the methodsand procedures described herein may be implemented in a high levelprocedural or an object-oriented language such as C, C++, C#, Python,Java, or Perl. The software may also be implemented in assembly languageif desired. Packet processing implemented in a network device caninclude any processing determined by the context. For example, packetprocessing may involve high-level data link control (HDLC) framing,header compression, and/or encryption. In some embodiments, softwarethat, when executed, causes a device to perform the methods describedherein may be stored on a computer-readable medium such as read-onlymemory (ROM), programmable-read-only memory (PROM), electricallyerasable programmable-read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, or amagnetic disk that is readable by a general or specialpurpose-processing unit to perform the processes described in thisdocument. The processors can include any microprocessor (single ormultiple core), system on chip (SoC), microcontroller, digital signalprocessor (DSP), graphics processing unit (GPU), or any other integratedcircuit capable of processing instructions such as an x86microprocessor.

In some embodiments, the radio transceivers described herein may be basestations compatible with a Long Term Evolution (LTE) radio transmissionprotocol or air interface. The LTE-compatible base stations may beeNodeBs. In addition to supporting the LTE protocol, the base stationsmay also support other air interfaces, such as UMTS/HSPA, CDMA/CDMA2000,GSM/EDGE, GPRS, EVDO, 2G, 3G, 5G, TDD, or other air interfaces used formobile telephony.

In some embodiments, the base stations described herein may supportWi-Fi air interfaces, which may include one or more of IEEE802.11a/b/g/n/ac/af/p/h. In some embodiments, the base stationsdescribed herein may support IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), to LTE transmissionsin unlicensed frequency bands (e.g., LTE-U, Licensed Access or LA-LTE),to LTE transmissions using dynamic spectrum access (DSA), to radiotransceivers for ZigBee, Bluetooth, or other radio frequency protocols,or other air interfaces.

The foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely exemplaryembodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, softwarethat, when executed, causes a device to perform the methods describedherein may be stored on a computer-readable medium such as a computermemory storage device, a hard disk, a flash drive, an optical disc, orthe like. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the presentinvention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing fromthe spirit or essential characteristics thereof. For example, wirelessnetwork topology can also apply to wired networks, optical networks, andthe like. The methods may apply to LTE-compatible networks, toUMTS-compatible networks, or to networks for additional protocols thatutilize radio frequency data transmission. Various components in thedevices described herein may be added, removed, split across differentdevices, combined onto a single device, or substituted with those havingthe same or similar functionality.

Although the present disclosure has been described and illustrated inthe foregoing example embodiments, it is understood that the presentdisclosure has been made only by way of example, and that numerouschanges in the details of implementation of the disclosure may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, which islimited only by the claims which follow. Various components in thedevices described herein may be added, removed, or substituted withthose having the same or similar functionality. Various steps asdescribed in the figures and specification may be added or removed fromthe processes described herein, and the steps described may be performedin an alternative order, consistent with the spirit of the invention.Features of one embodiment may be used in another embodiment.

1. A wireless system comprising; a 5G/4G/3G/2G cloud-native Open RadioAccess Network (RAN) architecture open and standardized across multipledomains; wherein the multiple domains include at least one of RAN, edge,core, orchestration and analytics; wherein the system includes an EPCvirtual stack; a Radio Virtualization stack; and an Open RANorchestrator in communication with the EPC virtual stack and the RadioVirtualization stack, wherein the Open Ran orchestrator providescommunication between any haul in communication with the EPC virtualstack and any core in communication with the Radio Virtualization stack.2. The system of claim 1 wherein any access is in communication with anyhaul.
 3. The system of claim 2 wherein any core is in communication withany service.
 4. The system of claim 3 wherein any access is incommunication with any service′
 5. The system of claim 1 wherein 3GPPstandard interfaces are used to communicate to nearby 2G, 3G, 4G, or 5Gmacros or Wi-Fi Aps.
 6. The system of claim 1 wherein standard X2interfaces are used to communicate with nearby 4G macros; as a virtualRNC, uses Iu-CS and Iu-PS interfaces to communicate with MSC and 3Gpacket core; and SWu interface to talk to Wi-Fi UEs.
 7. The system ofclaim 1 wherein network slicing is supported between a RAN and a corenetwork.
 8. A method of providing a cloud-native openRAN architecture,comprising: providing an EPC virtual stack; providing a RadioVirtualization stack; and providing an Open RAN orchestrator incommunication with the EPC virtual stack and the Radio Virtualizationstack, wherein the Open Ran orchestrator provides communication betweenany haul in communication with the EPC virtual stack and any core incommunication with the Radio Virtualization stack.
 9. The method ofclaim 8 further comprising providing any access in communication withany haul.
 10. The method of claim 9 further comprising providing anycore is in communication with any service.
 11. The method of claim 10further comprising providing any access in communication with anyservice.
 12. The method of claim 8 further comprising using 3GPPstandard interfaces to communicate to nearby 2G, 3G, 4G, or 5G macros orWi-Fi Aps.
 13. The method of claim 8 further comprising using standardX2 interfaces to communicate with nearby 4G macros; as a virtual RNC,using Iu-CS and Iu-PS interfaces to communicate with MSC and 3G packetcore; and using a SWu interface to talk to Wi-Fi UEs.
 14. The method ofclaim 8 further comprising supporting network slicing between a RAN anda core network.
 15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium containinginstructions for providing a cloud-native openRAN architecture, which,when executed, cause a system to perform steps comprising: providing anEPC virtual stack; providing a Radio Virtualization stack; and providingan Open RAN orchestrator in communication with the EPC virtual stack andthe Radio Virtualization stack, wherein the Open Ran orchestratorprovides communication between any haul in communication with the EPCvirtual stack and any core in communication with the RadioVirtualization stack.
 16. The computer-readable medium of claim 15further comprising instructions for providing any access incommunication with any haul.
 17. The computer-readable medium of claim16 further comprising instructions for providing any core is incommunication with any service.
 18. The computer-readable medium ofclaim 17 further comprising instructions for providing any access incommunication with any service.
 19. The computer-readable medium ofclaim 15 further comprising instructions for using 3GPP standardinterfaces to communicate to nearby 2G, 3G, 4G, or 5G macros or Wi-FiAps, and using standard X2 interfaces to communicate with nearby 4Gmacros; as a virtual RNC, using Iu-CS and Iu-PS interfaces tocommunicate with MSC and 3G packet core; and using a SWu interface totalk to Wi-Fi UEs.
 20. The computer-readable medium of claim 15 furthercomprising instructions for supporting slicing between a RAN and a corenetwork.